In this category, youth from 15 – 17 years of age can enter images in landscape or portrait orientation. A winner, highly commended and three finalists will be determined. We are so happy to see incredible images from the next generation of nature photographers.

Crikey! Kids – 15 – 17 years Winning Image:

Winner: Asher Lee

‘Northern Pygmy-Owl at Dusk’

After several weeks of attempting to find the tiny Northern Pygmy-Owl, I eventually stumbled upon one in the perfect spot. I watched from a distance for over an hour, trying not to disturb the bird, until it landed on a perch just a few meters away, allowing for incredible portraits.

Image location: South Fork Canyon, Utah, USA
Camera: Canon R5 with Canon RF 100-500mm lens

Highly Commended: Jonathan Yeo

‘At the Top’

A female Olive-backed Sunbird pauses on a flowering heliconia, its bright yellow plumage standing out against the soft green background. I loved how the repeating stems and red bracts formed a natural ladder through the frame, leading the eye gently toward the bird at the top.

Image location: Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore
Camera: Sony A9 with Sony 400-800mm f6.3-8 G OSS

Finalist: Anwen Whitehead

‘Family Photo’

I was incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to visit a bear hide during my family holiday to Slovenia. I spent a total of 10 hours waiting in the hide, and it was all worth it when this beautiful mother bear and her cubs appeared from the forest.

Image location: Southern Slovenia
Camera: Canon EOS R7 with Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary

Finalist: Asher Lee

‘Bald Eagle Against Haystack at Sunrise’

I woke up early while on vacation in Oregon to see the sunrise at the beach before the crowds arrived. I was extremely pleased to stumble upon a bald eagle sitting on the sand. I lay down and began to crawl closer, positioning the bird with an incredible background.

Image location: Haystack Rock, Oregon, USA
Camera: Canon R5 – Canon RF 100-500mm

Finalist: Anwen Whitehead

‘Catch of the Day’

During my trip to Skomer Island, I wanted to try and capture the behaviour of the puffins. They’re very fast and unpredictable when on land, but luckily I was able to capture this photo of one individual on the way to their
burrow with their catch.

Image location: Skomer Island, Wales, United Kingdom
Camera: Canon EOS R7 with Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary